192 Mr. H. Durnford on the Birds of 
103. Querquedula brasiliensis (Gm.) ; Scl. et Salv. 
P.Z. S. 1869, p. 635. 
Common to the north of Buenos Ayres; but I have never 
met with it to the south of the city. A little higher up the 
river than Belgrano it is quite common, frequenting pools and 
open water in the thick reed-beds. The male has a more 
brilliant speculum of metallic green than any bird I know. 
Iris wood-brown; legs bright vermilion. 
104. Dafila spinicauda (Vieill.) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 
1868, p. 146. 
The commonest of the larger species of Ducks, and in the 
winter found in very large flocks. Common at Baradero in 
April. Iris wood-brown. 
4-105. Dafila bahamensis (Linn.) ; Scl. et Salv. 1. s. c. 
Not common; and this year I have obtained no specimens. 
Generally found to the south of Buenos Ayres. 
106. Mareca sibilatrix (Poepp.); Scl. et Scl. P. Z. S. 1876, 
p. 395. 
Mareca chiloensis, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1869, p. 635. 
With the exception of Metopiana peposaca, this is the Duck 
most valued for the table. From its note it is generally called 
the “Whistler^ amongst Englishmen, and by natives “Overo” 
(speckled), from its beautiful mottled plumage. The greater 
part that come here are winter visitors; but a few breed 
amongst the reeds and coarse grass in some of the extensive 
marshes. Like Metopiana peposaca , it prefers large lagoons 
to the small pools and streams frequented by the smaller 
ducks, and is generally shy and flies very high. Common at 
Baradero in April. 
107. Metopiana peposaca (Vieill.); Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 
1868, p. 146. 
Common in the winter. The strongest and highest flyer 
of all our Ducks. 
108. Erismatura ferruginea, Eyton; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 
1876, p. 404. 
Resident, but scarce. From the shortness of its wings it 
is scarcely able to fly. 
